GE 109 Report – Mechanical Engineering

Internal Combustion Engine

Introduction
An Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) is a heat engine where fuel combustion occurs within a
confined space, generating high-temperature and high-pressure gases. These gases expand,
producing mechanical work to power vehicles, machinery, and generators. ICEs have been essential
in transportation and industrial applications for over a century. They are classified based on their
operation cycle into two-stroke and four-stroke engines and by fuel type into petrol and diesel
engines. Understanding their structure, function, and advancements is crucial in mechanical
engineering.

Working Principle
The ICE operates through four key processes:

1. Intake Stroke: The intake valve opens, allowing the air-fuel mixture (in petrol engines) or
just air (in diesel engines) into the cylinder as the piston moves down.
2. Compression Stroke: The intake valve closes, and the piston moves up, compressing the
air-fuel mixture to a high pressure and temperature.
3. Power Stroke: In petrol engines, a spark plug ignites the mixture, while in diesel engines,
compressed air heat ignites the fuel, forcing the piston downward and generating power.
4. Exhaust Stroke: The exhaust valve opens, and burned gases exit as the piston moves up.

Types of Internal Combustion Engines

Two-Stroke Engine

A two-stroke engine completes a power cycle in two strokes (one upward and one downward
movement of the piston) and requires only one crankshaft revolution to generate power. This
design makes it compact, lightweight, and powerful for its size, ideal for high power-to-weight ratio
applications.

Working Principle:

 First Stroke (Compression + Intake & Exhaust): The piston moves up, compressing the
fuel-air mixture while fresh mixture enters the crankcase.

 Second Stroke (Power + Exhaust & Intake Transfer): The mixture ignites, forcing the
piston down; exhaust gases exit while fresh mixture enters.
 Advantages Disadvantages

Lightweight and compact Lower fuel efficiency due to unburnt fuel loss

High power-to-weight ratio Higher emissions

Simpler design with fewer moving parts Increased wear and maintenance needs

Applications: Motorcycles, chainsaws, small boats, snowmobiles, and jet skis.

Four-Stroke Engine

A four-stroke engine completes a power cycle in four strokes—intake, compression, power, and
exhaust—requiring two crankshaft revolutions to generate power. It is more fuel-efficient, durable,
and environmentally friendly than a two-stroke engine, making it suitable for automobiles and
industrial machinery.

Working Principle:

 Intake Stroke: The piston moves down, allowing fuel and air to enter.

 Compression Stroke: The piston moves up, compressing the mixture.

 Power Stroke: Fuel ignites, forcing the piston downward to generate power.

 Exhaust Stroke: The piston moves up, expelling burnt gases.

Advantages Disadvantages

More fuel-efficient More complex, heavier, and costlier

Lower emissions Requires regular lubrication and

maintenance

Greater durability due to a separate

lubrication system
Applications: Cars, modern motorcycles, power generators, industrial and agricultural machinery.

Structural Components of an Internal Combustion Engine

Components Functions

Cylinder Block Houses cylinders where combustion

occurs.

Piston Moves up and down, transferring energy to

the crankshaft.

Crankshaft Converts linear motion into rotational

motion.

Camshaft Regulates valve timing.

Connecting Rod Links the piston to the crankshaft.

Valves Control airflow.

Fuel Injector/Spark Plug Initiates combustion.

Cooling System Prevents overheating.

Lubrication System Reduces friction.

Exhaust System Expels combustion gases.

 Petrol & Diesel Engines:

Petrol (Spark-Ignition) Engine

Petrol engines, also known as spark-ignition (SI) engines, are widely used in passenger vehicles,
motorcycles, and small machinery due to their smooth operation and high-speed capabilities.

1. Operates on the Otto Cycle

 Petrol engines follow the Otto cycle, a thermodynamic process that consists of two isentropic
(adiabatic) processes and two constant-volume processes.

 The Otto cycle enables efficient fuel-air mixture combustion, producing power with high
rotational speeds.

2. Uses a Spark Plug for Ignition

 Petrol engines use an externally supplied spark plug to ignite the air-fuel mixture inside the
combustion chamber.

 This ignition system allows precise control over combustion timing, ensuring smooth operation.

3. High-Speed Operation with Smooth Performance

 Petrol engines typically have a higher RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) than diesel engines,
allowing faster acceleration.
  They produce less vibration and noise, making them ideal for applications requiring comfort and
refined performance.

 Due to their lightweight design and higher revving capability, petrol engines are commonly
found in sports cars and motorcycles.

Some Other Striking Features Include

 Lighter weight compared to diesel engines

 Lower compression ratio (8:1 to 12:1), making them easier to start in cold conditions

 Quieter operation and reduced engine vibrations

 Higher fuel consumption due to the lower energy density of petrol

Diesel (Compression-Ignition) Engine

Diesel engines, or compression-ignition (CI) engines, are widely used in trucks, buses, heavy machinery,
and marine vessels due to their durability, fuel efficiency, and higher torque output.

1. Operates on the Diesel Cycle

 Diesel engines follow the Diesel cycle, which consists of two isentropic processes, one constant-
pressure process, and one constant-volume process.

 In this cycle, fuel combustion occurs at constant pressure, resulting in higher efficiency than the
Otto cycle.

2. Air Compression Ignites Fuel

 Unlike petrol engines, diesel engines do not use a spark plug. Instead, they rely on high
compression to increase the air temperature beyond the self-ignition point of diesel fuel.

 This compression ignition system makes diesel engines more reliable and efficient, especially
under heavy loads.

3. More Fuel-Efficient with Higher Torque

 Diesel engines are significantly more fuel-efficient than petrol engines due to higher
compression ratios (14:1 to 23:1), which improve thermal efficiency.

 They produce higher torque at lower RPMs, making them ideal for heavy-duty applications such
as trucks, construction equipment, and agricultural machinery.
  The greater energy density of diesel fuel allows for longer driving ranges and lower fuel
consumption.

Some Other Striking Features Include

 Higher durability and longer lifespan due to robust construction

 Better fuel economy, reducing operating costs

 Higher torque output, making them suitable for towing and heavy loads

 More NOx and particulate emissions, requiring advanced emission control technologies like EGR
(Exhaust Gas Recirculation) and DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Future Advancements in ICEs

1. Hybridization: Combining ICEs with electric motors for efficiency.

2. Alternative Fuels: Development of biofuels, hydrogen, and synthetic fuels.

3. Turbocharging and Supercharging: Enhancing efficiency using forced induction.

4. Variable Valve Timing (VVT): Optimizing valve operation for better performance.

5. Advanced Materials: Using lightweight alloys to reduce engine weight.

6. Emission Control Technologies: Innovations like Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) and advanced
catalytic converters.

Conclusion
In this session of GE109 lab, we have learnt the working of the Internal Combustion Engine. We
understood the working principles of an Internal Combustion Engine and the various types of this
engine. We also realized some of the real-life applications of this technology. The Internal
Combustion Engine has powered industries and transportation for over a century. While electric
vehicles and alternative power sources are growing, ICEs continue to evolve with improved fuel
efficiency, reduced emissions, and hybrid integration. Innovations in alternative fuels,
turbocharging, and smart engine management ensure that ICE technology remains relevant in the
near future.
References
Heywood, J. B. (1988). Internal Combustion Engine Fundamentals. McGraw-Hill.

Stone, R. (2012). Introduction to Internal Combustion Engines. Palgrave Macmillan.

SAE International Papers on ICE advancements.

MIT OpenCourseWare on Thermodynamics and Combustion.

NPTEL courses on IC Engines and their Applications.

Group Info:

 Kammari Harshavardhan – 2023MCB1216

 Kuthal Rithvik – 2023MCB1219
 Chundru Sai Viswateja – 2023MCB1293
 Goutham Naroju – 2023MCB1295
 Potla Prathvik – 2023MCB1307
 Puchakayala Rohith – 2023MCB1312